Food Rescue Hero Spotlight: Meet Patty – 400 Rescues and Counting with Last Mile Food Rescue

This fall, as we reflect on five years of impact at Last Mile Food Rescue, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Patty Wilken, a dedicated Food Rescue Hero who has completed nearly 400 food rescues, that’s one a week for almost five years!

Here’s Patty’s story, in her own words:

Q: How did you first get involved with Last Mile?
I was already doing food donation pickups for Our Daily Bread when our coordinator mentioned they were getting some deliveries from Last Mile. I got curious and signed up online, just to see how it worked from the driver side of the app. It was so much easier than what we were doing with our own team,  all the scheduling, texts, and phone calls anytime someone had to switch shifts. 

The Last Mile Food Rescue app handles it all.

Patty saw immediately how Last Mile solves a big challenge: most pantries and soup kitchens don’t have the capacity to rescue food and serve their communities at the same time. Our tech-powered volunteer network fills that crucial gap.

Q: Do you remember your first rescue? What stands out about it?
I’m not sure what my first rescue was, but it probably was delivered to Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen. I initially just picked rescues that were going there. I remember that I was impressed by the details in the app of where to go, with pictures, and what to expect during the pickup. I’m not a very outgoing person, and the app ensured that I was comfortable with my pickup. But I remember I was initially apprehensive about doing this by myself.

Even for those who feel unsure at first, our app and team make it easy to jump in—and as Patty shows, confidence grows with every rescue.

Q: What keeps you coming back week after week?
I like connecting with people who want to help others. The donors who go out of their way to save food for others. And the non-profits who distribute the food in all the neighborhoods throughout the city. I have met so many amazing people!

The work may start with food—but for many of our volunteers, it’s the human connection that keeps them coming back.

Q: What’s surprised you the most about food rescue?
How much food is available to be rescued. Once I picked up from a grocery store and there was so much it wouldn’t fit in my van, I had to call the office for a sweeper. Restaurants save leftover rice or beef trimmings every day instead of tossing them. Grocery stores donate milk that isn’t expired but won’t sell in time. The restaurants and groceries have the food, but don’t know where to send it.. 

The soup kitchens and food pantries know who needs the food, but don’t know who has food to give them. 

Last Mile Food Rescue is the link between the two, and the volunteer drivers are an important piece of the system!

That’s exactly what we do: bridge the gap between excess and need. Last Mile connects food donors and nonprofits through the power of technology and people like Patty.

Q: Why do you think food rescue is important for the community?
I was on food stamps when I was younger, so I understand food insecurity. I am glad that there is an organized effort throughout the city to get food to those who need it, and who can’t travel across town to get to a pantry or kitchen for a meal.

Food rescue is more than waste prevention. It’s about dignity and access. Patty sees the people behind the stats.

Q: How has being part of Last Mile impacted you personally?
I feel blessed to help others in need. I am blessed to have learned about so many non-profits in our community that help people with a basic life necessity. And blessed to meet so many volunteers in the community who are helping others, giving their time and talents.

Q: What would you say to someone who’s on the fence about getting involved?
Sign up, complete the online Food Safety Training, and just see what rescues are available in your area. You don’t have to go to the other side of town, there are rescues all over. And just try one rescue. You’ll be amazed how easy it is: great directions and a phone call away from LMFR office if you have questions.

And if you’re nervous? Patty even offered to ride along with new drivers on their first rescue. That’s the kind of community we’re building.

Patty’s Impact

Patty’s story shows how one person,  with just a few hours each week, can change the way food moves through our community. Food Rescue Heroes like her are the heart of Last Mile, making sure good food feeds families instead of landfills.

💚 Want to join Patty and become a Food Rescue Hero? Download the Last Mile app and sign up today.